Cordonata Capitolina, Renaissance staircase at Capitoline Hill, Italy
The Cordonata Capitolina is a broad sloping stairway with shallow steps that rises gently from Piazza d'Aracoeli to Piazza del Campidoglio. Its wide design accommodates multiple people walking side by side as it winds up the Capitoline Hill.
Giacomo della Porta built this stairway in 1581 based on Michelangelo's design, which was originally planned for Emperor Charles V's visit. It became part of a larger Renaissance redesign of the Capitoline complex.
The granite lions at the base once guarded the Temple of Isis and show Rome's ancient ties to Egypt. Above, statues of Castor and Pollux stand as protectors watching over the city.
The shallow steps and gentle slope make the ascent easy for most visitors without requiring much physical effort. The wide pathway is comfortable for walking even when other people are moving through at the same time.
A bronze statue of Cola di Rienzo at the base marks where the Roman tribune was executed in 1354. This monument links Rome's ancient past with a pivotal medieval event at this very location.
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